ABSTRACT

Isolation and identification of bacteria from the surfaces of ATMs within the campus  of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike were carried out. A total of 17 ATMs of the following banks, Ecobank (8), Sterling bank (3), First bank (2), Access bank (2), Union bank (1), and Zenith bank (1) situated at different strategic locations within the campus of the University (MOUAU), were swabbed and analysed for the presence of bacteria. The total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC)  were; Ecobank 9.8 x 103, Access Bank 8. 3 x 103, Sterling  Bank 6.8 x 103, First Bank 8.5 x 103, Union Bank 8.0 x 103, Zenith bank 5.9 x 103. Ecobank showed the highest THBC and Zenith Bank showed the lowest THBC. The bacteria isolated and their percentage occurrence were; Staphylococcus aureus (32.2%), Streptococcus spp (11.8%), Bacillus spp (18.3%), Micrococcus spp (17.5%), Escherichia coli (12.9%), Klebsiella spp (11.8%), and Enterobacter spp (5.4%). Staphylococcus aureus has the highest percentage occurrence. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics was carried out and some isolates were resistant to some commonly used antibiotics which include chloramphenicol, ampiclox, septrine and ampicillin.  The results showed that the surfaces of ATMs were contaminated with bacteria of public health importance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background studies 2

1.2 Aim 2

1.3 Objectives 2

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Bacteria contaminants associated with ATMs 10

2.1.1 Escherichia coli 10

2.1.2 Klebsiella species 11

2.1.3 Staphylococcus aureus 11

2.1.4 streptococcus species 12

2.1.5 Bacillus subtilis 12

2.1.6 Enterobacter species 13

2.1.7 Micrococcus species 13

2.2  Effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing the risk of infection 14

CHAPTER THREE: MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area 16

3.2 Collection of Samples 16

3.3 Preparation of Culture media 16

3.4 Bacteria inoculation and isolation 17

3.5 Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing 17

3.6 Characterization and identification of organisms 17

3.7 Gram stain 18

3.8 Biochemical Test 18

3.8.1 Catalase Test 18

3.8.2 Coagulase Test 18

3.8.3 Citrate utilization Test 19

3.8.4 Urease test 19

3.8.5 Motility Test 19

3.8.6 Triple sugar ion Test 19

3.8.7 Methyl red test 20

3.8.8 Antibiotic susceptibility testing

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION,   CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Discussion 25

5.2 Conclusion 27

5.3 Recommendation 28

Appendix  1

Appendix  2

REFERENCES